Quick Facts

1. ALWAYS look right first when crossing the street. Otherwise, you will get hit.
2. Pedistrians DON'T have the right of way, except at the Humped Zebra Crossing. hee hee!
3. Driving is very chaotic, yet it works quite efficiently. There are probably a dozen different private bus companies, so there are buses EVERYWHERE. I am not quite sure how they manage with such narrow streets, but they do. I have seen it everyday on the way to work. If a bus, delivery street or construction vehicle is stopped, just drive into the oncoming lane and go around. If there is no room to park on the street - try the sidewalk. It works just as good.
4. About 50% of the population either bike or walk. Most bikers don't even wear helmets. I sure I would fit right in.
5. Telephone numbers are 11 digits long.
6. It is a fairly laidback lifestyle - the workday doesn't start until 9-9:30 A.M.
7. Clothes dryers are a rare commodity. And the washing machine is usually located in the kitchen.
8. Garbage is set outside on the sidewalk for pick-up - as is, just in the bag. No cans or bins. And, it doesn't matter if it is pick-up day or not, that is where it goes. (This was much more prevalent in London. Some of the garbage wasn't even in bags. No wonder the city was dirty and stinking)
9. Garbage is called rubbish.
10. The word *Cheers* is universal. People use it for hello, goodbye, your welcome, thank you, good morning, etc.
11. It is unlikely that you will be able to purchase food in large quantities. Almost all grocery items come in small packages. The portion size is a lot more appropriate. It's great!
12. Cookies are called biscuits.

These are just some of the things that I have observed over the last week and a half. I am sure I will have more, so stay tuned.